Product dispenser

ABSTRACT

A product dispenser includes a body having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall. A divider extends between the upper and lower walls and together with the walls of the body defines separate first and second compartments for holding associated products. The body includes first and second dispensing openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments. A valve assembly is operably connected to the body. The valve assembly has a closed state wherein the valve assembly is configured to close each of the first and second dispensing openings, a first opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the first dispensing opening, and a second opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the second dispensing opening.

BACKGROUND

Product dispensers are very popular devices commonly used to store and dispense products, and one example of a product dispenser is a condiment shaker used to store and dispense salt, pepper or other spices. The shakers generally consist of a hollow container having a screw or push-on top. The top is removed while the shaker is filled with condiment. The top includes several openings through which the contained condiment can be shaken out once the top is secured.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, a product dispenser comprises a body having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall. A divider extends between the upper and lower walls and together with the walls of the body defines separate first and second compartments for holding associated products. The body includes first and second dispensing openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments. A valve assembly is operably connected to the body. The valve assembly has a closed state wherein the valve assembly is configured to close each of the first and second dispensing openings, a first opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the first dispensing opening, and a second opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the second dispensing opening.

In accordance with another aspect, a method of selectively dispensing one of a first product and a second product held in separate first and second compartments defined in a body of a product dispenser is provided. The method comprises providing a valve assembly in the shaker body, the valve assembly having a closed state closing each of first and second dispensing openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments, a first opened state opening only the first dispensing opening, and a second opened state opening only the second dispensing opening; providing a selector mounted to the body and operably connected to the valve assembly, the selector configured to move the valve assembly from the closed state toward one of the first opened state and the second opened state; and moving the selector in one of a first direction to move the valve assembly from the closed state toward the first opened state, and a second direction opposite the first direction to move the valve assembly from the closed toward the second opened state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary product dispenser according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a body of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the body of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5-8 are perspective views of a main support of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a selector of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of first and second pinch arms of a valve assembly of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cover of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13-15 are cross-sectional views of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of an alternative compressible member for the valve assembly of the product dispenser of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary product dispenser 100 according to the present disclosure. The product dispenser 100 generally includes a body 102 having an upper wall 104, a lower wall 106, and a side wall 108. The upper and lower walls 104, 106 can be integral with the side wall 108 or can be separate parts that are fixedly secured to the side wall 108. A divider 110 extends between the upper and lower walls 104, 106 and together with the walls 104, 106, 108 of the body 102 defines separate first and second compartments 116, 118 for holding associated products. The upper wall 104 includes first and second dispensing openings 120, 122 in communication with the respective first and second compartments 116, 118 (see FIGS. 3-4). The lower wall 106 includes first and second fill openings 126, 128 in communication with the respective first and second compartments 116, 118. First and second plugs 130, 132 are removably fitted in the respective first and second fill openings 126, 128. According to one aspect, the first plug 130 is configured to fit only in the first fill opening 126 and the second plug 132 is configured to fit only in the second fill opening 128. This prevents any product that may be caught on the first plug 130 from being mixed with product located in the second compartment 118 and vice versa. Also, the use of the differing first and second plugs 130, 132 ensures that proper products are provided in the first and second compartments 116, 118. A protective sleeve 134 can be secured over the side wall 108; although, this is not required.

As will be described below, the upper wall 104 is configured to have operable connected thereto a valve assembly 140 and is further configured to have mounted thereon a support 142 for the valve assembly. According to the present disclosure, the valve assembly 140 has a closed state wherein the valve assembly is configured to close each of the first and second dispensing openings 120, 122, a first opened state wherein the valve assembly 140 is configured to open only the first dispensing opening 120, and a second opened state wherein the valve assembly 140 is configured to open only the second dispensing opening 122.

In the depicted embodiment, the valve assembly 140 includes first and second tubular members 148, 150 dimensioned to be received in the respective first and second dispensing openings 120, 122. Each of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 is formed of a compressible material (e.g., a silicone material) thereby allowing the first and second tubular members 148, 150 to have an opened state allowing product to move through the tubular members and a compressed state which closes the first and second dispensing openings 120, 122. According to one aspect, the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are separate parts, each having a cylindrical shaped body 154, 156 with an upper mounting ring 158, 160 and a lower mounting ring 162, 164. According to another aspect, and as depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, the first and second tubular members 148′, 150′ define a unitary (i.e., one-piece) part, each having a body 154′, 156′ with a cylindrical shaped lower portion 168, 170 and a cylindrical shaped upper portion 172, 174. Each of the lower portions 168, 170 has a lower mounting ring 178, 180. The upper portions 172, 174 are canted toward one another and merge into an enlarged dispensing part 182 having an upper mounting ring 184. An interior divider 186 separates the dispensing part 182 into separate first and second chambers 188, 190 which communicate with the respective first and second tubular members 148′, 150′.

The depicted valve assembly 140 further includes first and second pinch arms 200, 202 configured to selectively engage and compress the respective first and second tubular members 148, 150. According to one aspect, each of the first and second pinch arms 200, 202 includes a mounting portion 204, 206 and an engaging portion 210, 212. Each engaging portion 210, 212 is configured to selectively engage and compress one of the first and second tubular members 148, 150. With particular reference to FIG. 11, the mounting portion 204 of the first pinch arm 200 includes a support wall 220 having upper and lower tabs 222, 224 extending outwardly from its inner surface 226 (i.e., the surface of the support wall 220 generally facing the second pinch arm 202). Each of the upper and lower tabs 222, 224 includes a mounting hole 230, 232. A support 238 projects from a side 240 of the support wall 220. The engaging portion 210 extends outwardly from an opposite outer surface 244 of the support wall 220 of the mounting portion 204, a distal end portion 246 of the engaging portion 210 provided with a finger 250. Similarly, the mounting portion 206 of the second pinch arm 202 includes a support wall 260 having upper and lower tabs 262, 264 extending outwardly from its inner surface 266. Each of the upper and lower tabs 262, 264 includes a mounting hole 270, 272. A support 278 projects from a side 280 of the support wall 260. The engaging portion 212 extends outwardly from an opposite outer surface 284 of the support wall 260 of the mounting portion 206, a distal end portion 286 of the engaging portion 212 provided with a finger 290.

The mounting of the valve assembly 140 to the upper wall 104 of the body 102 will be described with particular reference to FIGS. 13-15. The lower mounting rings 162, 164 of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are positioned in the respective first and second dispensing openings 120, 122 and secured to the upper wall 104. To secure the lower mounting rings 162, 164 to the upper wall 104, according to the depicted embodiment, each of the lower mounting rings 162, 164 includes circumferential grooves 294, 296 sized to receive the upper wall 104. The mounting portion 206 of the second pinch arm 202 is positioned at least partially within the mounting portion 204 of the first pinch arm 200 such that the holes 230, 232 of the upper and lower tabs 222, 224 are aligned with the holes 270, 272 of the upper and lower tabs 262, 264. The valve assembly 140 further includes a biasing member 300 engaged to the mounting portions 204, 206 for biasing the engaging portions 210, 212 away from one another and toward the first and second tubular members 148, 150. According to one aspect, the biasing member 300 is a torsion spring that engages the supports 238, 278 of the respective mounting portions 204, 206. The biasing member 300 is located at least partially in the mounting portion 206 of the second pinch arm 202. With the biasing member properly positioned and the holes properly aligned, the mounting portions 204, 206 and biasing member 300 are positioned on a shaft 310 provided on the upper wall 104. The shaft 310 can also be provided separately from the upper wall 104. For example, the shaft 310 can be received in an opening or a boss provided in or on the upper wall 104. The shaft 310 extends through the holes of the upper and lower tabs of both mounting portions 204, 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portions 204, 206 are then fastened to the shaft 310 via a fastener 312 with a washer 314 provided between the fastener and the upper tab 222. Alternatively, the mounting portions 204, 206 can be captured between the upper wall 104 and a cover 500, which will be described in further detail below.

The features of the support 142 for the valve assembly 140 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5-8. The support 142 includes a base wall 320 and a C-shaped ring 322 provided about a periphery of the base wall. The base wall 320 includes first and second recessed portions 326, 328 having respective first and second holes 330, 332 which when the support 142 is mounted to the body 102 are aligned with the respective first and second dispensing openings 120, 122. The first and second holes 330, 332 are dimensioned to receive the respective bodies 154, 156 of the first and second tubular members 148, 150, and the upper mounting rings 158, 160 of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are received in the respective recessed portions 326, 328. The base wall 320 further includes a third hole 336 located between the first and second holes 330, 332 and aligned with the shaft 310 providing access to the fastener 312. The third hole 336 also allows for the assembly of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 on the support 142. Depending from the base wall 320 are first and second connecting bodies 340, 342 configured to connect the support 142 to the body 102. According to one aspect, the first connecting body 340 can include an alignment tab 350 and a pair of arms 352, 354 provided on opposite sides of the alignment tab 350 and having generally check-shaped distal end portions 356, 358. According to one aspect, the second connecting body 342 can include an alignment tab 360 and a pair of arms 362, 364 provided on opposite sides of the alignment tab 360 and having generally check-shaped distal end portions 366, 368. The alignment tab 360 can further includes a pair of projections 370, 372. It should be appreciated that the depicted first and second connecting bodies 340, 342 are by way of example and that alternative manners for connecting the support 142 to the body 102 are contemplated.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, to allow for the connection of the first connecting body 340 to the body 102, the upper wall 104 includes first and second support walls 380, 382. In the depicted embodiment, the first support wall 380 is generally L-shaped and includes a first section 386 and a second section 388. The second section 388 includes a channel 390 on one side 392 and a tab 394 provided on an opposite side 396. The second support wall 382 is shaped similar to the first support wall 380 and includes a first section 400 and a second section 402. The second section 402 includes a channel 404 (which faces the channel 390) on one side 406 and a tab 408 provided on an opposite side 410. A third support wall 416 located at the periphery of the upper wall 104 interconnects the second sections 388, 402. As shown, the third support wall 416 can include a ledge 418. To allow for the connection of the second connecting body 342 to the body 102, the upper wall 104 includes a fourth support wall 420 located opposite the third support wall 416 at the periphery of the upper wall 104. In the depicted embodiment, the fourth support wall 420 includes a pair of projections 422, 424 which interconnect the fourth support wall 420 to an interior fifth support wall 430. The projection 422 includes a tab 436 and the projection 424 includes a tab 438 which faces the tab 436. As shown, the fourth support wall 420 can include a ledge 440, and the fifth support wall 430 can include a pair of cutouts 444, 446. With reference to FIGS. 13-15, when connected to the body 102, the alignment tab 350 is received in the channels 390, 404 and the distal end portions 356, 358 of the arms 352, 354 engage the tabs 394, 408. Further, the alignment tab 360 abuts the fifth support wall 430 with the projections 370, 372 received in the cutouts 444, 446 and the distal end portions 366, 368 of the arms 362, 364 engage the tabs 436, 438.

With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary product dispenser 100 further includes a selector 450 mounted to the upper wall 104 so that it is positioned between the body 102 and the support 142. The selector 450 is operably connected to the valve assembly 140 and is configured to move the valve assembly 140 from the closed state to one of the first opened state and the second opened state. The features of the selector 450 are best depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. The selector 450 is defined by a wall 452 having a ring-shape and including an outer surface 456 and an inner surface 458. Located on the outer surface is a protrusion 460 (e.g., a finger grip) sized to allow a user to easy move the selector 450. The inner surface 458 includes an inwardly extending shelf 464 having first and second spaced cutouts 468, 470, first and second spaced tabs 474, 476 located beneath the shelf 464, and a third tab 480 located above the shelf and equally spaced between the cutouts 468, 470. The third tab 480 is aligned with the outer protrusion 460.

To mount the selector 450 to the body 102, the upper wall 104 is further provided with spaced sixth and seventh support walls 490, 492 which are located at a periphery of the upper wall 104. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sixth support wall 490 is positioned between the first support wall 380 and the fourth support wall 420 and includes a ledge 494. The seventh support wall 492 is positioned between the second support wall 382 and the fourth support wall 420 and includes a ledge 496. The selector 450 is positioned atop the ledges 418, 440, 494, 496 of the respective support walls 416, 420, 490, 492. The ring 322 of the support 142 is positioned atop the wall 452 of the selector 450 (see FIG. 15).

A separate cover is mounted atop the support 142 for covering the valve assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 12, the cover 500 includes a top wall 502 having first and second groups of holes 506, 508 (which communicate with the respective first and second dispensing opening 120, 122 via the first and second tubular members 148, 150) and a side wall 510. It should be appreciated that when used as a condiment shaker, the hole patterns on the cover 500 are specific to the condiments (e.g., 3 holes for salt, 5 holes for pepper). An inner surface 514 of the side wall 510 includes notches 516 which receive connecting tabs 520 provided on the support 142 (see FIG. 7). The inner surface 514 is further provided with locating ribs 526 that abut end walls 530, 532 of the ring 322 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). Depending from the top wall 502 and surrounding the holes 506, 508 are respective first and second frustoconical members 540, 542. As shown in FIG. 15, the first and second frustoconical members 540, 542 are received in the upper mounting rings 158, 160 of the respective first and second tubular members 148, 150. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a separate cap 550 is mounted atop the cover 500, and includes third and fourth groups of holes 552, 554 corresponding to the respective first and second groups of holes 506, 508. It should be appreciated that the selector 450, cover 500 and cap 550 can be easily modified to accommodate the first and second tubular members 148′, 150′ of FIGS. 16 and 17 without departing from the present disclosure.

According to the present disclosure, movement of the selector 450 in a first direction from the closed state of the valve assembly 140 moves the valve assembly 140 toward the first opened state, and movement of the selector 450 from the closed state of the valve assembly 140 in a second direction opposite the first direction moves the valve assembly 140 toward the second opened state. Further, the movement of the selector 450 in both the first and second directions is a rotational movement about a center axis of the body 102. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the closed state of the valve assembly 140, the third tab 480 is aligned with an indicator 560 extending outwardly from a face wall 562 of the support 142 located between the end walls 530, 532 of the ring 322. The first and second pinch arms 200, 202 are operably connected to the selector 450, which is configured to engage the fingers 250, 290 of the distal end portions 246, 286 of the engaging portions 210, 212 via the respective first and second tabs 474, 476. In this closed state of the valve assembly 140, each of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are compressed or pinched by the engaging portions of the respective first and second pinch arms 200, 202. Movement of the selector 450 in the first direction from the closed state of the valve assembly 140 moves the valve assembly 140 toward the first opened state, wherein the engaging portion 210 of the first pinch arm 200 is solely moved away from the first tubular member 148. In the first opened state, the indicator 560 is received in the second cutout 470 of the selector 450 which maintains this position of the selector against the biasing force of the biasing member 300. Product can be dispensed from the first compartment 116. Movement of the selector 450 in the second direction from the closed state of the valve assembly 140 moves the valve assembly 140 toward the second opened state, wherein the engaging portion 212 of the second pinch arm 202 is solely moved away from the second tubular member 150. In the second opened state, the indicator 560 is received in the first cutout 468 of the selector 450 which again maintains the position of the selector against the biasing force of the biasing member 300. Product can be dispensed from the second compartment 118.

As is evident from the foregoing, a method of selectively dispensing one of a first product and a second product held in separate first and second compartments 116, 118 defined in a body 102 of a product dispenser 100 comprises providing a valve assembly 140 in the shaker body, the valve assembly 140 having a closed state closing each of first and second dispensing openings 120, 122 in communication with the respective first and second compartments 116, 118, a first opened state opening only the first dispensing opening 120, and a second opened state opening only the second dispensing opening 122; providing a selector 450 mounted to the body 102 and operably connected to the valve assembly 140, the selector 450 configured to move the valve assembly 140 from the closed state toward one of the first opened state and the second opened state; and moving the selector 450 in one of a first direction to move the valve assembly 140 from the closed state toward the first opened state, and a second direction opposite the first direction to move the valve assembly 140 from the closed toward the second opened state.

The exemplary method further comprises compressing each of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 to close off each of the first and second dispensing openings 120, 122 in the closed state of the valve assembly 140; compressing only the second tubular member 150 to close off the second dispensing opening 122 in the first opened state of the valve assembly 140; and compressing only the first tubular member 148 to close off the first dispensing opening 120 in the second opened state of the valve assembly 140.

By way of example, assuming salt and pepper are the products stored in the respective first and second compartments 116, 118, to shake salt, the selector 450 is pushed toward the first compartment 116 and to shake pepper, the selector 450 is pushed toward the second compartment 118. When the selector 450 is pushed toward either compartment, there can be a click sound (via the indicator 560 received in one of the first and second cutouts 468, 470 of the selector 450) indicating that the selector 450 will stay in place while the consumer shakes the salt or pepper. When the selector 450 is in a middle position (i.e., the closed state of the valve assembly 140), the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are completely closed/sealed off by the first and second pinch arms 200, 202 which can prevent any mess or humidity from getting inside the compartments 116, 118. Particularly, in the closed state of the valve assembly 140, both of the first and second tubular members 148, 150 are pinched closed via the engaging portions 210, 212 of the first and second pinch arms 200, 202. When the selector 450 is pushed to the salt side, the first pinch arm 200 moves out of engagement with the first tubular member 148 in communication with the first compartment 116, while the second pinch arm 202 remains engaged with the other tubular member 150. When the selector 450 is pushed to the pepper side, the second pinch arm 202 moves out of engagement with the second tubular member 150 in communication with the second compartment 118, while first pinch arm 200 remains engaged with the other tubular member 148.

It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A product dispenser comprising: a body having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall, wherein a divider extends between the upper and lower walls and together with the walls of the body defines separate first and second compartments for holding associated products, and the body includes first and second dispensing openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments; and a valve assembly operably connected to the body, the valve assembly having a closed state wherein the valve assembly is configured to close each of the first and second dispensing openings, a first opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the first dispensing opening, and a second opened state wherein the valve assembly is configured to open only the second dispensing opening.
 2. The product dispenser of claim 1, further including a selector mounted to the body and operably connected to the valve assembly, the selector configured to move the valve assembly from the closed state to one of the first opened state and the second opened state.
 3. The product dispenser of claim 2, wherein movement of the selector in a first direction from the closed state moves the valve assembly toward the first opened state, and movement of the selector from the closed state in a second direction opposite the first direction moves the valve assembly toward the second opened state.
 4. The product dispenser of claim 3, wherein the movement of the selector in both the first and second directions is a rotational movement about a center axis of the body.
 5. The product dispenser of claim 2, wherein the valve assembly includes first and second compressible tubular members dimensioned to be received in the respective first and second dispensing openings, wherein each of the first and second tubular members in a compressed state closes the respective first and second dispensing openings.
 6. The product dispenser of claim 5, wherein the valve assembly includes first and second pinch arms operably connected to the selector and configured to selectively engage and compress the respective first and second tubular members.
 7. The product dispenser of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second pinch arms includes a mounting portion and an engaging portion extending outwardly from the mounting portion and configured to selectively engage and compress one of the first and second tubular members.
 8. The product dispenser of claim 7, wherein the selector is configured to engage distal end portions of each of the engaging portions of the first and second pinch arms.
 9. The product dispenser of claim 8, wherein the selector is ring-shaped and includes tabs extending inwardly from an inner surface, the tabs engaging the distal end portions of the engaging portions.
 10. The product dispenser of claim 7, wherein the valve assembly includes a biasing member engaged to the mounting portions for biasing the engaging portions away from one another and toward the first and second tubular members.
 11. The product dispenser of claim 10, wherein the mounting portion of the second pinch arm is positioned at least partially within the mounting portion of the first pinch arm, and the biasing member is located at least partially in the mounting portion of the second pinch arm.
 12. The product dispenser of claim 5, wherein a support is secured to the upper wall and includes first and second holes aligned with the respective first and second dispensing openings and dimensioned to receive the respective first and second tubular members.
 13. The product dispenser of claim 12, wherein the selector is ring-shaped and is positioned between the body and the support.
 14. The product dispenser of claim 12, wherein a separate cover is mounted to the support for covering the valve assembly.
 15. The product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lower wall includes first and second fill openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments, and further including first and second plugs removably fitted in the respective first and second fill openings.
 16. The product dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first plug is configured to fit only in the first fill opening and the second plug is configured to fit only in the second fill opening.
 17. A method of selectively dispensing one of a first product and a second product held in separate first and second compartments defined in a body of a product dispenser, the method comprising: providing a valve assembly in the shaker body, the valve assembly having a closed state closing each of first and second dispensing openings in communication with the respective first and second compartments, a first opened state opening only the first dispensing opening, and a second opened state opening only the second dispensing opening; providing a selector mounted to the body and operably connected to the valve assembly, the selector configured to move the valve assembly from the closed state toward one of the first opened state and the second opened state; and moving the selector in one of a first direction to move the valve assembly from the closed state toward the first opened state, and a second direction opposite the first direction to move the valve assembly from the closed toward the second opened state.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve assembly includes first and second compressible tubular members at least partially received in the respective first and second dispensing openings, and the method includes: compressing each of the first and second tubular members to close off each of the first and second dispensing openings in the closed state of the valve assembly; compressing only the second tubular member to close off the second dispensing opening in the first opened state of the valve assembly; and compressing only the first tubular member to close off the first dispensing opening in the second opened state of the valve assembly.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the movement of the selector in both the first and second directions is a rotational movement about a center axis of the shaker body. 